Efficacy of botanical lozenges in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: In clinical practice, antibiotics and/or inhaled or oral hormone preparations are the first line of treatment for chronic pharyngitis. However, this therapeutic regimen is not satisfactory enough. At present, medicinal plants as dietary supplements or functional foods are widely recognized for the treatment and prevention of different diseases. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the botanical lozenge made from several medicinal plant extracts in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis and its effects on patients' illness perception and adherence to treatment. Methods: Patients with chronic pharyngitis were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 52) or the control group (n = 51). Patients were given botanical lozenges prepared from the extracts of medicinal plants such as Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex A.M.Lu and Zhi Y. Zhang [Cucurbitaceae; Siraitiae fructus], Lonicera japonica Thunb [Caprifoliaceae; Lonicerae japonicae flos], Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC [Campanulaceae; Platycodon radix], and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC [Fabaceae; Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma] or placebos made of starch for 15 days. The improvement of pharyngeal symptoms and signs, illness perception, and adherence to treatment were evaluated at the end of the intervention. Results: The total score of pharyngeal symptoms of patients in the experimental group (3.33 ± 2.33) was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.20 ± 2.93) (p < 0.01). In comparison to the control group (3.43 ± 1.43), the total pharyngeal signs score of patients in the experimental group (2.69 ± 1.59) was considerably lower (p < 0.01). The improvement rates of pharyngeal itching, dry throat, pharyngeal foreign body sensation, aggravation due to excessive speaking, and congestion of pharyngeal mucosa in the experimental group were 73.81%, 67.50%, 67.57%, 65.22% and 44%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, patients taking botanical lozenges had better illness perception and adherence to treatment than those taking placebos (p < 0.05). Patients with low adherence to treatment showed less personal control, concerns, and understanding of chronic pharyngitis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Botanical lozenges not only aided patients in recovering from chronic pharyngitis but also improved their positive perceptions of the disease, which helped them adhere to their treatment regimen. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR2200062139].

Modeling the Therapeutic Process of Patients with Cocaine Use Disorders: A Guide for Predicting Readmission.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with cocaine use disorders have very high readmission rates. Our aim was to model the relationships between attributes of patients with cocaine use disorder at the beginning of treatment, therapeutic process indicators of time in treatment or proportion of appointments attended, and treatment outcomes, including outcomes at discharge and non-readmissions posttreatment as indicators of therapeutic success. METHOD: A retrospective observational design was used with 10,298 cocaine use disorder patients. Electronic health records were used for statistical analysis of the data. Randomized subsample 1 (n = 5,150) was used for exploratory analysis and subsample 2 (n = 5,148) for modeling relationships between the variables. RESULTS: Patients attributes at intake (e.g., legal services as the source of referral) were of limited significance in explaining time in treatment, proportion of appointments attended, and treatment outcomes. Time in treatment and proportion of appointments attended emerged as significant factors in explaining outcomes at discharge. However, readmissions were primarily explained by time in treatment and outcomes at discharge, although referrals to addiction centers by health services also appeared to be relevant for explaining readmission. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that maintaining a sufficient appointment attendance rate and remaining in treatment for a longer duration are critical therapeutic process indicators for explaining outcomes at the point of discharge and therapeutic success, as indicated by a reduced likelihood of readmissions. Patients who remained in treatment for an extended period were found to have a reduced risk of future readmissions. In addition, our study highlights the importance of maintaining a satisfactory appointment attendance rate to attain successful short- and medium-term therapeutic discharge outcomes. These guidelines could help to increase the efficiency of patient treatment and alleviate the suffering of both patients and their families.

Physicians' and Patients' Expectations From Digital Agents for Consultations: Interview Study Among Physicians and Patients.

BACKGROUND: Physicians are currently overwhelmed by administrative tasks and spend very little time in consultations with patients, which hampers health literacy, shared decision-making, and treatment adherence. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine whether digital agents constructed using fast-evolving generative artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, have the potential to improve consultations, adherence to treatment, and health literacy. We interviewed patients and physicians to obtain their opinions about 3 digital agents-a silent digital expert, a communicative digital expert, and a digital companion (DC). METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with 25 patients and 22 physicians from a purposeful sample, with the patients having a wide age range and coming from different educational backgrounds and the physicians having different medical specialties. Transcripts of the interviews were deductively coded using MAXQDA (VERBI Software GmbH) and then summarized according to code and interview before being clustered for interpretation. RESULTS: Statements from patients and physicians were categorized according to three consultation phases: (1) silent and communicative digital experts that are part of the consultation, (2) digital experts that hand over to a DC, and (3) DCs that support patients in the period between consultations. Overall, patients and physicians were open to these forms of digital support but had reservations about all 3 agents. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, we derived 9 requirements for designing digital agents to support consultations, treatment adherence, and health literacy based on the literature and our qualitative findings.

Aplicación de un modelo farmacocinético poblacional para el seguimiento de pacientes en tratamiento con dolutegravir: estudio piloto

Introducción: a pesar de los avances en tratamiento antirretroviral, existe la posibilidad de que personas que viven con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) experimenten falla terapéutica vinculada a múltiples factores que impactan en la respuesta al fármaco. Objetivos: evaluar la utilidad de aplicar un modelo farmacocinético en pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH en tratamiento con dolutegravir para el análisis de las concentraciones plasmáticas experimentales. Adicionalmente, se pretende identificar potenciales interacciones farmacológicas, evaluar adherencia y fallo terapéutico. Material y método: se realizó un estudio piloto transversal y observacional en pacientes VIH tratados con dolutegravir que incluyó la dosificación de la concentración plasmática, evaluación de adherencia mediante el cuestionario simplificado de adherencia a la medicación (SMAQ) y retiro de medicación. Se utilizó un modelo poblacional referenciado en la bibliografía para la predicción de concentraciones de dolutegravir en cada paciente y se compararon con las concentraciones experimentales. Resultados: fueron incluidos en el estudio 21 pacientes. Al cotejar las concentraciones plasmáticas experimentales con la simulación farmacocinética se encontraron diferencias para 12 pacientes, las cuales se explican por posibles interacciones farmacológicas, mala adherencia u otros factores que afectan la farmacocinética. Se detectó 38% de no adherencia de acuerdo con SMAQ y 23% de acuerdo con el retiro de medicación. Conclusiones: se expone el rol potencial de los modelos farmacocinéticos para la interpretación de concentraciones plasmáticas y se genera la necesidad de avanzar en este tipo de estudios para el establecimiento de rango terapéutico y aplicabilidad clínica.

Introduction: Despite advances in antiretroviral treatment, there is a possibility that people living with HIV may experience treatment failure linked to multiple factors that impact drug response. Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of applying a pharmacokinetic model in patients diagnosed with HIV undergoing treatment with dolutegravir for the analysis of experimental plasma concentrations. Additionally, the aim is to identify potential drug interactions, assess adherence, and therapeutic failure. Method: A cross-sectional, observational pilot study was conducted in HIV patients treated with dolutegravir, which included plasma concentration dosing, assessment of adherence using the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ), and medication withdrawal. A population-based model referenced in the literature was used to predict dolutegravir concentrations in each patient and these were compared with experimental concentrations. Results: Twenty-one patients were included in the study. When comparing experimental plasma concentrations with pharmacokinetic simulation, differences were found for 12 patients, which can be explained by possible drug interactions, poor adherence, or other factors affecting pharmacokinetics. Non-adherence was detected in 38% according to the SMAQ and 23% according to medication withdrawal. Conclusions: The potential role of pharmacokinetic models in the interpretation of plasma concentrations is highlighted, emphasizing the need to advance in this type of studies to establish therapeutic ranges and clinical applicability.

Introdução: Apesar dos avanços no tratamento antirretroviral, existe a possibilidade de que pessoas que vivem com HIV experimentem falha terapêutica ligada a múltiplos fatores que impactam na resposta ao medicamento. Objetivos: Avaliar a utilidade da aplicação de um modelo farmacocinético em pacientes com diagnóstico de HIV em tratamento com dolutegravir para análise de concentrações plasmáticas experimentais. Além disso, pretende-se identificar potenciais interações medicamentosas, avaliar a adesão e a falha terapêutica. Método: Um estudo piloto observacional transversal foi conduzido em pacientes HIV tratados com dolutegravir que incluiu dosagem de concentração plasmática, avaliação de adesão usando o questionário simplificado de adesão à medicação (SMAQ) e retirada da medicação. Um modelo populacional referenciado na literatura foi utilizado para prever as concentrações de dolutegravir em cada paciente e compará-las com as concentrações experimentais. Resultados: 21 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Ao comparar as concentrações plasmáticas experimentais com a simulação farmacocinética, foram encontradas diferenças em 12 pacientes, que são explicadas por possíveis interações medicamentosas, má adesão ou outros fatores que afetam a farmacocinética. Foram detectadas 38% de não adesão segundo o SMAQ e 23% segundo retirada da medicação. Conclusões: Fica exposto o papel potencial dos modelos farmacocinéticos para a interpretação das concentrações plasmáticas e gera-se a necessidade de avançar neste tipo de estudos para estabelecer a faixa terapêutica e a aplicabilidade clínica.

The mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between social support and medication adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: To evaluate the status of medication adherence in diabetic patients and its effective factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 170 diabetic patients in Iran. Participants were assessed for medication adherence, self-efficacy, and social support. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple stepwise regression were conducted to explore predictors for medication adherence. Results: Regression analysis showed that 48% of medication adherence changes stemmed from the four variables including social support, self-efficacy, income, and education levels, (R2adj = 0.480, F = 39.943, p < 0.001). According to the model, the highest effects were related to income level (ß = 0.332, t = 5.493, p ⩽ 0.001) and self-efficacy (ß = 0.330, t = 4.789, p ⩽ 0.001), respectively. Based on the final model, only the social support variable showed no significant relationship with adherence (ß = 0.002, t = 0.032, p = 0.947). Conclusion: Social support and self-efficacy were related to medication adherence in diabetic patients, and social support can improve medication adherence in patients with diabetes by affecting self-efficacy. Healthcare workers who interact with individuals with diabetes should take into account the factors mentioned above when designing health promotion interventions to address the needs of these individuals.

Challenges Experienced by Black Women with Breast Cancer During Active Treatment: Relationship to Treatment Adherence.

BACKGROUND: Although rates of death from breast cancer have declined in the USA for both Black and White women since 1990, mortality rates for Black women remain strikingly higher - 40% higher compared to White women (American Cancer Society 1). The barriers and challenges that may be triggering unfavorable treatment-related outcomes and diminished treatment adherence among Black women are not well understood. METHODS: We recruited 25 Black women with breast cancer who were to receive surgery and chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Through weekly electronic surveys, we assessed types and severity of challenges across various life domains. Because the participants rarely missed treatments or appointments, we examined the impact of severity of weekly challenges on thoughts of skipping treatment or appointment with their cancer care team using a mixed-effects location scale model. RESULTS: Both a higher average severity of challenges and a higher deviation of severity reported across weeks were associated with increased thoughts on skipping treatment or appointment. The correlation between the random location and scale effects was positive; thus, those women that reported more thoughts on skipping a dose of medicine or appointment were also more unpredictable with respect to the severity of challenges reported. CONCLUSIONS: Black women with breast cancer are impacted by familial, social, work-related, and medical care factors, and these may in turn affect adherence to treatment. Providers are encouraged to actively screen and communicate with patients regarding life challenges and to build networks of support within the medical care team and social community that can help patients successfully complete treatment as planned.

Objectively measured adherence may affect side effects of mandibular advancement therapy in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if objectively measured adherence to oral appliance (OA) treatment may affect dental changes and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: The original study group consisted of adults with OSA who were referred for OA therapy. Eight indicators of subjective side effects of using OA (temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscle pain, pain in teeth, jaw stiffness in the morning, clicking, dry mouth, hypersalivation, gingival irritation) were evaluated by a questionnaire. Three occlusal indicators (overjet, overbite, molar occlusion) and clinical TMD signs (TMJ pain, muscle pain, clicking, jaw deviation on opening) were evaluated at baseline and at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. In addition, objective adherence monitoring for OA was registered. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, paired sample t-test, and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 58 adults with OSA were referred for OA therapy. Mean (SD) age was 50.7 (11.7) and mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 19.5 (10.0). At 1-year follow-up, the study group consisted of 28 men and 12 women. Overjet but not overbite reduced significantly after 1-year OA therapy. The average nightly wear of OA was related to overjet and overbite reduction, and to TMD signs. Hypersalivation, dry mouth, and tooth discomfort were the most common subjective side effects of OA therapy. CONCLUSION: There was a time-dependent relationship with the nightly wear of OA and reduction in overjet and overbite, and clinical TMD signs. With 60% of mandibular advancement, dental changes and TM-disorders were considered mild/minor in the 1-year study period.

Trend of Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness to Methacholine as a Cost Predictor of Mild-to-Moderate Asthma: A Twelve-Month Survey in Teenagers.

Bronchial asthma is characterized by variable airflow obstruction, airway inflammation, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to non-specific stimuli. The role of underlying airway inflammation and of related long-lasting BHR has been suboptimally investigated in teenagers with mild-to-moderate asthma, as has the corresponding economic impact over time. The aim of the present study was to calculate the cost of mild-to-moderate atopic asthma in teenagers arising from their degree of persisting BHR over a twelve-month period. METHODS: Patients aged 12-18 years with mild-to-moderate symptoms treated with fluticasone fumarate/vilanterol 92/22 mcg daily were retrospectively followed for 12 months. Usual spirometric parameters, BHR to methacholine (MCh), and resource consumption (visits, hospitalizations, systemic steroids and/or antibiotics courses, school days off) were assessed at recruitment (the index date) and after 6 and 12 months. Adherence to treatment was also calculated. The cost of asthma was calculated based on Italian tariffs and published papers. The trend over time in BHR and the association between response to MCh and total cost were investigated by using regression models adjusted for repeated measures. RESULTS: 106 teenagers (53 males, age 15.9 ± 1.6 years) were investigated. The annual cost of asthma proved significantly related to the BHR trend: every increment of a factor 10 in the response to MCh was associated with a saving of EUR 184.90 (95% CI -305.89 to -63.90). BHR was progressively optimized after 6 and 12 months in relation to the patients' compliance to treatment (≥70% of prescribed inhalation doses). CONCLUSIONS: the usual spirometric parameters are largely insufficient to reflect the effects of underlying persistent inflammation in milder forms of asthma in teenagers. In terms of clinical governance, the periodic assessment of non-specific BHR is the appropriate procedure from this point of view. Non-specific BHR proves a reliable procedure for predicting and monitoring the economic impact of mild-to-moderate asthma in teenagers over time.

Validez y confiabilidad de un instrumento para identificar factores que influyen en la adherencia al tratamiento en personas con factores de riesgo cardiovascular

Introducción: Es necesario contar con instrumentos válidos y confiables para identificar los factores que influyen en la adherencia al tratamiento en personas con factores de riesgo cardiovascular. En Colombia, Bonilla y Gutiérrez diseñaron un instrumento que cuenta con validez facial y de contenido. Sin embargo, no se ha demostrado la validez de constructo. Objetivo: Determinar la validez de constructo y confiabilidad del instrumento, factores que influyen en la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico en personas con factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Metodología: Investigación metodológica. Participaron 694 personas con factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular residentes en tres ciudades de Colombia (Neiva, Espinal y Tunja). Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio (extracción de componentes principales y rotación Varimax), análisis factorial confirmatorio (estimación de máxima verosimilitud) y una prueba de confiabilidad global y por dimensiones (alfa de Cronbach y Test-retest). Resultados: El análisis factorial exploratorio reportó un instrumento de 30 ítems con estructura de 4 factores (varianza total acumulada de 42,6 %). Los índices de ajuste del modelo propuesto indicaron ajuste absoluto excelente y ajuste incremental aceptable. El alfa de Cronbach global fue 0,86, lo que indica alta confiabilidad. Discusión: El estudio proporciona evidencia de un instrumento más robusto que otras versiones. Los instrumentos estandarizados para medir factores que influyen en la adherencia pueden ser muy útiles para la investigación y la práctica si cumplen con pruebas psicométricas de fiabilidad y validez. Conclusión: Se pone a disposición de los investigadores y del personal de salud un instrumento válido y confiable. Se recomienda su uso en poblaciones similares a la de este estudio.

Introduction: It is necessary to have valid and reliable instruments to identify the factors that influence adherence to treatment in people with cardiovascular risk factors. In Colombia, Bonilla y Gutierrez designed an instrument that has face and content validity. However, construct validity has not been demonstrated. Objective: To determine the construct validity and reliability of the instrument, factors that influence adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment in people with cardiovascular risk factors. Methodology: Methodological research. A total of 694 people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease residing in three Colombian cities (Neiva, Espinal and Tunja) participated. Exploratory factor analysis (extraction of principal components and Varimax rotation), confirmatory factor analysis (maximum likelihood estimation) and global and dimensional reliability test (Cronbach's alpha and Test-retest) were performed. Results: The exploratory factor analysis reported a 30-item instrument with a 4-factor structure (total cumulative variance of 42.6%). The fit indices of the proposed model indicated excellent absolute fit and acceptable incremental fit. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.86, indicating high reliability. Discussion: The study provides evidence of a more robust instrument than other versions. Standardized instruments to measure factors that influence adherence can be very useful for research and practice if they meet psychometric tests of reliability and validity. Conclusion: A valid and reliable instrument is made available to researchers and health personnel. Its use is recommended in populations similar to that of this study.

[Adherence to treatment of hematological malignancies patients with anxiety and depression].

AIM: To establish the features of the influence of anxiety and depressive disorders on treatment adherence, as well as to clarify the factors associated with it in hematologic malignancies patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 117 patients: 51 men and 66 women, aged 19 to 67 years, with Hodgkin's lymphoma - 88, acute lymphoblastic leukemia - 16 and aplastic anemia - 13 patients. Patients were examined by psychiatrist using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, as well as some psychometric methods. RESULTS: Anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders were detected in 36 (40.9%) patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma and 8 (50%) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, in the aplastic anemia group there were three (23.1%) of such patients. It was found that the average adherence to treatment was in 2/3 of patients, low and high - in the remaining 1/3 of patients. With medium and low adherence to treatment, the risk of adverse events increases by an average of 1.7 times. The adherence to treatment it is significantly higher in patients older than 45 years. Signs of depression that negatively correlated with adherence to treatment were pessimism and disruption of social ties. Adherence to treatment significantly positively correlates with the following types of attitudes towards the disease: anosognosic, hypochondriac and egocentric, and significantly negatively correlates with the following types of attitudes towards the disease: anxious, melancholic and dysphoric. CONCLUSION: Anxiety/depressive disorders contribute to reduced adherence of hematologic malignancies patients to treatment. Their correction and increased adherence should be carried out jointly by hematologists and mental health professionals.

ADA_ETA_BIO2021: real-world evaluation of adherence, persistence, and cost-effectiveness of originator and biosimilar biologic drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter study in Italy.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess the adherence, persistence, and costs of bDMARDs through a multicentre study of nine Italian hospital pharmacies. METHODS: The drugs analysed were Abatacept, Adalimumab, Certolizumab, Etanercept, Golimumab and Tocilizumab.Adult subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis were considered in the analysis.In this study, we calculated the following metrics: Adherence to treatment was evaluated as dose-intensity, which is the ratio between the amount of medication received and probably taken by the patient at home (Received Daily Dose, RDD) and the amount prescribed by the clinician (Prescribed Daily Dose, PDD). Persistence was calculated as the number of days between the first and last dispensing of the same drug. Lastly, costs were assessed based on persistence to treatment and normalized for adherence. RESULTS: Adherence to treatment was found to be above 0.8 for all drugs studied. The median persistence for a 5-year treatment period was 1.4 years for Abatacept, 1.7 years for Adalimumab, 1.8 years for Certolizumab, 1.4 years for Etanercept, 1.3 years for Golimumab, and 1.6 years for Tocilizumab. CONCLUSIONS: This multicentre retrospective observational study of bDMARDs used in the treatment of RA showed that, for all the drugs studied, there was no problem with adherence to treatment but rather a difficulty in maintaining treatment with the same drug over time.

[Dental gel Cholisal at the stage of conservative treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases]. / Stomatologicheskii gel' Kholisal na etape konservativnogo lecheniya vospalitel'nykh zabolevanii parodonta.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To study the effectiveness of using the drug Cholisal as part of the conservative treatment of chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected 100 patients aged 35 to 65 years of both sexes with a diagnosis of moderate chronic periodontitis in the acute phase with a periodontal pocket depth of 3.5-5 mm. Depending on the tactics of conservative treatment of CGP, patients were divided into two groups of 50 people. In the main group, in addition to standard treatment, the dental gel Cholisal was used, and in the control group, therapy was standard. 10 days after professional hygiene, patients in both groups were examined and underwent an index assessment of the condition of periodontal tissues and adherence to treatment. RESULTS: In patients of the control group, 10 days from the start of treatment, the depth of periodontal pockets in the control group decreased slightly from 4.7±0.28 mm to 4.2±0.21 mm (p=0.074), and the Green-Vermillion hygiene index decreased by 25.3±1.79% (p=0.041), Silnesse-Loe plaque index by 59.1±2.16% (p<0.001), PMA index by 51.5±1.92% (p<0.001) and Muhlemann-Cowell bleeding index by 42.2±1.75% (p<0.001). In the main group, the effectiveness of treatment of chronic periodontitis with conservative therapy using Cholisal was higher. There was a statistically significant decrease in the depth of periodontal pockets from 4.8±0.23 mm to 3.5±0.19 mm (p=0.043), the Green-Vermillion hygiene index decreased by 47.6±2.13% (p=0.0003), Silnesse-Loe plaque index by 78.2±3.05% (p<0.001), PMA index by 69.4±2.74% (p<0.001) and Muhlemann-Cowell bleeding index by 66.9±1.62% (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the drug Cholisal in the conservative treatment of chronic periodontitis has shown convincing positive dynamics in both subjective and objective assessments, which suggests its effective use.

Validação de guia prático para profissionais da saúde: adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose / Validation of a practical guide for healthcare professionals: adherence to tuberculosis treatment

Validar um guia prático para os profissionais da APS que oriente a abordagem e contribua no processo de adesão ao tratamento da tuberculose. Trata-se de um estudo metodológico, que buscou validar uma tecnologia educacional por especialistas na temática. Utilizou-se um instrumento para avaliação do material que contou com uma escala tipo Likert. Para análise dos dados, foram calculados os Índices de Validação de Conteúdo (IVC), cuja taxa mínima de concordância adotada foi 0,80. O material foi considerado validado, onde obteve IVC global satisfatório de 0,86. O estudo demonstrou que o material tem potencial para contribuir no manejo de pacientes com tuberculose, uma vez que reúne informações da perspectiva de pessoas que tiveram a doença e alcançaram a cura.

To validate a practical guide for PHC professionals to guide the approach and contribute to the process of adherence to the treatment of tuberculosis. This was a methodological study, which sought to validate an educational technology by specialists in the subject. An instrument was applied to evaluate the material, which used a Likert scale. For data analysis, the Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated, whose minimum agreement rate adopted was 0.80. The material was considered validated, with a satisfactory global CVI of 0.86. The study demonstrated that the material has the potential to contribute to the management of patients with tuberculosis since it gathers information from the perspective of people who had the disease and were cured.

[Risk factors and adherence to treatment of patients with cerebrovascular diseases]. / Faktory riska i priverzhennost' lecheniyu patsientov s tserebrovaskulyarnymi zabolevaniyami.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the representation of risk factors and treatment adherence in patients with cerebrovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-stage cross-sectional non-comparable study was conducted, which included 492 patients, of whom 133 had an ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (main group, MG), 344 had chronic cerebrovascular pathology (comparison group, CG). The representation of risk factors, the state of cognitive functions, the severity of anxiety and depression were evaluated. RESULTS: MG respondents visit specialized specialists more often than CG (p<0.001), are more committed to taking antiplatelet agents (p<0.003), statins (p<0.005), antihypertensive drugs (p<0.005). Regular intake of antithrombotic drugs was associated with the history of ischemic stroke (r=0.483; p<0.01), type 2 diabetes (r=0.637; p<0.011), atrial fibrillation (r=0.481; p<0.001), living in a family (r=0.493; p<0.03). An inverse correlation was established between the systematic intake of antiplatelet drugs and the age of the respondents (r=-0.637; p<0.002), cognitive impairment (r=-0.433; p<0.05), the history of the gastrointestinal tract diseases (gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer) (r=-0.563; p<0.001). Irregular medication intake was observed in patients aged over 60 years compared with younger (17.3% and 6.4%, respectively, p=0.001), patients living in a family compared with single (85.6% and 65.1%, p=0.032). The history of ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction is associated with increased adherence to regular medication. CONCLUSION: The study of risk factors and the assessment of treatment adherence can ensure the formation of an effective strategy for primary and secondary prevention of cerebrovascular diseases.

Illness Perceptions, Cognitions, and Beliefs on COPD Patients' Adherence to Treatment - A Systematic Review.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Besides its irreversibility, COPD is a treatable condition, and patients would strongly benefit from being adherent to their treatments. However, almost half of them are non-adherent, and, according to several recent studies, the way the patient perceives the disease might influence this variable. Aim: This systematic review provided a synthesis of studies about the relationships between illness perceptions (IP), cognitions, beliefs, and adherence in COPD. Methods: English language publications were searched in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, ResearchGate, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases from November 2022 to February 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. The reference lists of eligible studies were also searched. Data extraction and critical appraisal were undertaken by two reviewers working independently. Results: A total of 14 studies were included. Adherence to treatment in COPD is confirmed to be low, using both self-report questionnaires and objective assessment systems. Most studies concluded that COPD is perceived as a moderate threat destined to last forever, even if many participants referred to little disease knowledge. This perception did not change between adherent and non-adherent groups. Those who considered more necessary to take their medicines and had a caregiver were more adherent and less concerned about their future. On the other side, forgetfulness, lack of trust in medications, and difficulties in understanding how to take them were perceived as the main causes of non-adherence. Other predictors of non-adherence, like depression, low self-efficacy, and severity of disease were confirmed. Conclusion: The systematic review highlights the variability of the relationship between IP, cognitions and beliefs, and COPD treatment adherence. A new level of awareness of the relationship between patients' subjective point of view and treatment adherence may inform future treatment options and promote a more personalized intervention.

Factores relacionados con la adherencia al tratamiento de rehabilitación de los pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 con amputación de miembro inferior

Objetivo: Determinar los factores clínicos y sociodemográficos relacionados con la adherencia al tratamiento de rehabilitación de los pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 con amputación de miembro inferior. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, comparativo y relacional; se incluyeron 113 pacientes con DM tipo 2 del Departamento de Investigación, Docencia y Rehabilitación Integral en Amputados, quemados y Trastornos Posturales del Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Dra. Adriana Rebaza Flores" AMISTAD PERÚ - JAPÓN, que ingresaron en el periodo 2016 al 2019. Se recolectaron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas; y para la adherencia al tratamiento de rehabilitación se consideró la asistencia de los pacientes a 5 áreas de atención en salud, y el alta de prótesis de los pacientes. Resultados: El 75,52 % de pacientes fueron del sexo masculino, con edad media de 66,6 ± 12,1; y la media del tiempo de alta de prótesis fue 11,4 ± 6,75 meses. Se encontró diferencia significativa entre adherencia y no adherencia en la edad, nivel socioeconómico, estado civil y cobertura de atención (p < 0,05) Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes amputados con DM tipo 2 fueron del sexo masculino cuyo cumplimiento o adherencia a la rehabilitación se relacionó con factores sociodemográficos como la edad, estado civil, nivel socioeconómico y cobertura de salud.

SUMMARY Objective: To determine clinical and sociodemographic factors related to the adherence to rehabilitation treatment among type 2 diabetic patients who underwent lower limb amputation. Methods: An observational retrospective study that included 113 type 2 diabetic patients attended at the Departamento de Investigación, Docencia y Rehabilitación Integral en Amputados, quemados y Trastornos Posturales del Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Dra. Adriana Rebaza Flores" AMISTAD PERÚ - JAPÓN from 2016 to 2019. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were collected; to measure adherence patients had to attend five evaluations and the discharge visit after a prosthetic device had been inserted. Results: 75.52% were males; mean age was 66.6 ± 12.1 years, and mean time after insertion of the prosthetic device was 11.4 ± 6.75 months. Factors associated with no adherence were age, socioeconomic level, marital status and health care coverage (p<0.05). Conclusions: Most of the type 2 diabetic patients who underwent lower limb amputation were males, adherence to the rehabilitation treatment was related to sociodemographic factors.

Factores que influyen en la adherencia al tratamiento de pacientes con tuberculosis: Revisión integrativa / Factors influencing adherence to treatment in patients with tuberculosis: An integrative review

El objetivo general de la investigación fue identificar los factores que influyen en la adherencia al tratamiento de pacientes con tuberculosis: Revisión integrativa. Se realizó una revisión integrativa, la cual se caracterizó por la indagación científica sobre una materia en particular a partir de la revisión del conocimiento existente. El enfoque adoptado fue el propuesto por PRISMA, el cual se basó en 27 ítems para determinar la validez de los artículos a utilizar en el desarrollo de la revisión, algunos de estos son: criterios de elegibilidad, fuentes de información, proceso de extracción de datos, certeza de la evidencia, entre otros. Se concluye que, la revisión integrativa permitió conocer que la adherencia al tratamiento de la tuberculosis es un tema que continúa siendo relevante para el personal sanitario. Su prevalencia está fuertemente anclada en países de escasos recursos, y es en estas zonas en las que afecta más gravemente.

The general objective of the research was to identify the factors that influence adherence to treatment in patients with tuberculosis: Integrative review. An integrative review was carried out, which was characterized by the scientific inquiry on a particular subject based on the review of existing knowledge. The approach adopted was the one proposed by PRISMA, which was based on 27 items to determine the validity of the articles to be used in the development of the review, some of these are: eligibility criteria, sources of information, data extraction process, certainty of the evidence, among others. It is concluded that, the integrative review allowed to know that adherence to tuberculosis treatment is an issue that continues to be relevant for health personnel. Its prevalence is strongly anchored in resource-poor countries, and it is in these areas that it affects more severely.

Adherence to treatment of children and adolescents recently diagnosed with auto-immune Rheumatic Diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Objectives Adherence problems have a great impact on auto-immune Rheumatic Diseases (AIRD). The COVID-19 pandemic may have worsened treatment adherence. The aims of this study were to measure treatment adherence to identify an earlier risk of poor adherence and measure families' satisfaction with the health service during the pandemic. Methods Prospective observational study with 50 parents/children and adolescents with recent AIRD diagnosis. Initially, they answered questions (demographic data, disease) and completed the Pediatric Rheumatology Adherence Questionnaire (PRAQ), after 6 months they completed the Morisky-Green Test (MGT), Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ), Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology (CQR-19) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Questionnaire 3.0 (PedsQlTM-SSS). The patient's medical records from the previous 12 weeks were reviewed for global and medication adherence data. Results The mean global adherence score was 94.3 ± 10.0, for medication adherence 97.3 ± 9.3, and for PRAQ questionnaire 5.2 ± 1.5. The authors observed agreement between MGT, BMQ, CQR-19, PedsQLTM-SSS scores and medication adherence rate, but not with global adherence rate. There were no associations between demographic characteristics, disease diagnosis, and adherence. No associations between PRAQ scores and values and global/medication adherence rates were observed. No variables were shown to be predictors of good adherence. The mean PedsQLTM-SSS rate was 92.1 ± 6.8. Conclusion The high values of MGT, BMQ, CQR-19 questionnaire scores were in agreement with the medication adherence rate. Despite the pandemic, the global and medication adherence rates were good. It was not possible to demonstrate the PRAQ's predictive power. The authors weren't able to establish an association between families' satisfaction and treatment adherence rates.

Illness perception, health literacy, self-efficacy, adherence and quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication - a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with intermittent claudication need lifelong treatment with secondary prevention to prevent cardiovascular events and progression of atherosclerotic disease. Illness perception, health literacy, self-efficacy, adherence to medication treatment, and quality of life are factors influencing patients' self-management. Knowledge of these factors could be important when planning for secondary prevention in patients with intermittent claudication. AIM: to compare illness perception, health literacy, self-efficacy, adherence to treatment, and quality of life in in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 128 participants recruited from vascular units in southern Sweden. Data were collected through medical records and questionnaires regarding illness perception, health literacy, self-efficacy, adherence to treatment, and quality of life. RESULTS: In the subscales in illness perception, patients with sufficient health literacy reported less consequences and lower emotional representations of the intermittent claudication. They also reported higher self-efficacy and higher quality of life than patients with insufficient health literacy. In comparison between men and women in illness perception, women reported higher illness coherence and emotional representations associated with intermittent claudication compared to men. A multiple regression showed that both consequences and adherence were negative predictors of quality of life. When examining changes over time, a significant increase in quality of life was seen between baseline and 12 months, but there were no significant differences in self-efficacy.. CONCLUSION: Illness perception differs in relation to level of health literacy and between men and women. Further, the level of health literacy seems to be of importance for patients' self-efficacy and quality of life. This illuminates the need for new strategies for improving health literacy, illness perception, and self-efficacy over time. For example, more tailored information regarding secondary prevention could be provided to strengthen self-management to further improve quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication.

Treatment fidelity and satisfaction with an intervention based on case management for older people with falls history: Randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To verify the treatment fidelity and satisfaction with a multifactorial intervention based on case management in community-dwelling older people with falls history and related sociodemographic and clinical factors. METHODS: This is a single-center, randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial. 62 community-dwelling older people with falls history were distributed into two groups. The Intervention Group (IG) underwent a case management involving multidimensional evaluation, explanation of the risk factors for falls identified, implementation of an intervention proposal based on the identified risks, elaboration of an individualized falls intervention plan, implementation, monitoring and review of the intervention plan. The Control Group (CG) was accompanied by a monthly phone call. After 16 weeks, the volunteers answered two closed questionnaires about treatment fidelity or non-fidelity to intervention (IG) and satisfaction with intervention (both groups). In addition, the frequency of intervention, adherence to each recommendation of the case management and satisfaction with general care were evaluated. RESULTS: There was good treatment fidelity based on case management, as well as good adherence to recommendations. In addition, the satisfaction of both groups was positive, although the IG had a better score (p<0.05). There was a significant influence of monthly income and general health on treatment fidelity (IG). Also, age, years of schooling, general health and physical mobility significantly influenced satisfaction with the IG. There was a significant influence of number of falls on satisfaction with monitoring conducted in the CG. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and sociodemographic factors can influence treatment fidelity and satisfaction of older people with falls history to a falls prevention program.